Minister JP Nadda inaugurates first policy makers’ forum in New Delhi

Union minister of health and family welfare & chemicals and fertilizers, J P Nadda inaugurated the ‘First Policy Makers’ Forum’, aiming to foster meaningful discussions on the recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) and the implementation of India’s flagship Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), popularly known as the Janaushadhi Scheme.
The programme will run until August 22, 2024 and witnessed participation from various countries including Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Guyana, Jamaica, Lao PDR, Lebanon, Malawi, Mozambique, Nauru, Nicaragua, Sri Lanka, Syria, Uganda and Zambia.
Welcoming the delegates from drug regulatory authorities and the health ministries from Latin American, African, Southeast Asian, and Pacific regions participating in the program, Nadda said, “This forum will provide an excellent opportunity to exchange views on the safety, efficacy, and the quality of medical pharmaceutical products amongst the participating countries that will ensure that we uphold the highest standards for the benefit of the patients.”
Referring to India’s generic drugs to help treat diseases like malaria, HIV-AIDS, and tuberculosis which are usually considered as the health problems of developing countries, he added that this contribution underscores India’s commitment to global health and its responsibility in bridging the healthcare gap in developing nations.
He also highlighted that “since administering drugs for HIV-AIDS is very costly and it became a burden for developing nations, the Indian manufacturers came forward and took the lead in providing effective and affordable drugs”. India has always been the world leader in the production and supply of vaccines contributing to approximately 60 percent of the global supply of vaccines. He stated that the World Health Organization procures 70 percent of its vaccine demand from India.
To elevate India’s position in the global pharmaceutical sector, the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), in collaboration with the ministry of health & family welfare and the ministry of external affairs, hosted an international delegation of policymakers and drug regulators from 15 countries. The forum featured the launch of innovative digital platforms for pharmacopoeia and drug safety monitoring.
The Minister said that the Ayushman Bharat scheme, for instance, is the world’s largest government-funded healthcare programme, providing assurance and insurance coverage for more than 500 million people at a cost of 6,000 US Dollars. Under the Prime Minister’s leadership, this scheme is a “testament to our commitment to ensure healthcare to the most vulnerable section of society.”
He further added that “the discussions under the Policymakers’ Forum will pave the way for patient safety worldwide, successful implementation of shared goals and will strengthen our healthcare systems while building lasting relationships among our countries.”
Dr. Arunish Chawla, secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals said, “a global trend is emerging as patients increasingly opt for generic medicines. Generic medicines adhere to regulatory standardization equivalent to WHO standards and practices and are at least 50 to 90% cheaper than branded medicines. There is a rising feeling in the world to move towards generic medicines.”
Highlighting the success of the Janaushadhi Programme, he stated that, “in just a short span of 10 years, the out-of-pocket expenditure has fallen over 40% due to generic medicines which is evidence of the success of the Jan Arogya Programme and more than 10,000 Janaushadhi Kendras are running in every nook and corner of the country. Jan Arogya is a social service that we want to offer to help other countries in other parts of the world where Healthcare expenditure is a major concern.”
During the event, the Minister also launched two digital platforms —the IP Online Portal and the Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring System (ADRMS) software. The IP Online Portal represents a major step towards digitalizing the Indian Pharmacopoeia, making drug standards more accessible to stakeholders worldwide. This initiative aligns with the Government of India’s commitment to promoting environmentally friendly solutions under the ‘Digital India’ campaign.
The ADRMS software, developed as part of the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India, is India’s first indigenous medical product safety database tailored to the needs of the Indian population. It facilitates the collection and analysis of adverse events related to medicines and medical devices, thereby significantly strengthening the country’s pharmacovigilance infrastructure. This software not only streamlines the reporting process but also empowers consumers and healthcare professionals to directly report adverse events, ensuring a more comprehensive capture of safety information.
These digital initiatives are expected to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of drug safety monitoring and standards compliance, further boosting India’s position as a leader in the global pharmaceutical landscape.
The successful launch of these digital platforms and the ongoing discussions at the Policy Makers’ Forum reflect the Government’s continuous efforts to ensure that Indian pharmacopoeia and healthcare standards are recognized and respected worldwide. This solidifies India’s position as a global leader in the pharmaceutical sector, committed to improving global health through collaboration, innovation, and leadership.
During the forum sessions held, foreign delegates engaged in in-depth discussions with their Indian counterparts on the safety, efficacy, and quality of medical products. The Department of Pharmaceuticals led focused discussions on the Janaushadhi Scheme, exploring how this initiative could be adopted to improve access to affordable medicines internationally, further demonstrating India’s commitment to global health equity.
Source: Pharmabiz